“And it came to pass that after [the prophet] had made a proclamation throughout all the land, that the people gathered themselves together throughout all the land, that they might go up to the [TV] to hear the words which [the prophets] should speak unto them.

“And there were a great number, even so many that they did not number them; for they had multiplied exceedingly and waxed great in the land…

“And it came to pass that when they came up to the [TV], they [laid their blankets and pillows and couches and bean bags] round about, every man according to his family, consisting of his wife, and his sons, and his daughters, and their sons, and their daughters, from the eldest down to the youngest, every family being separate one from another.

“And they [arranged their blanket forts and couches] round about the [TV], every man having his [blanket fort or couch] with the [opening] thereof towards the [TV], that thereby they might remain on their [couches] and hear the words which [the prophets] should speak unto them;

“For the multitude being so great that [the prophets] could not teach them all within the walls of the [conference center], therefore he caused [the media] to be [utilized], that thereby [the] people might hear the words which [they] should speak unto them.

“…[And they] caused the words which [the prophets] spake should be written and sent forth among those that were not under the sound of [their] voice, that they might also receive [their] words”. ¹

“[Now] behold, angels are declaring [these words] unto many at this time [April 4-5, 2015] in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory [date TBD]”. ²

“[For we] shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.  For the word of the Lord is truth”. ³  “Give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto [us]…for [their] word [we] shall receive, as if from [His] own mouth”. ⁴ And “When we hear the counsel of the Lord expressed through words of the President of the Church, our response should be positive and prompt”. ⁵

“The simplicity of this [word] may cause us to overlook its significance.  [This word – receive – is] not a passive pronouncement; rather [it] constitute[s] a priesthood injunction  – an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon.  The [words spoken by the prophets during conference do] not become operative in our lives merely because [our ears have heard them].  As we receive [these words], each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to so live that we indeed receive [the words] and [their] attendant spiritual [blessings].  For ‘what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift?  Behold he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift’ (D&C 88:33)”. ⁶

“Behold, he sendeth and invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you”. ⁷

“Come, listen to a prophet’s voice and hear the word of God,

And in the way of truth rejoice, and sing for Joy aloud.

Then heed the words of truth and light that flow from fountains pure.

Yea, keep His law with all thy might till thine election’s sure,

Till thou shalt hear the holy voice assure eternal reign,

While joy and cheer attend thy choice, as one who shall obtain”. ⁸

Notes

1 See Mosiah 2:1-8

2 Alma 13:24

3 D&C 84:44-45

4 D&C 21:4-5

5 See “His Word Ye Shall Receive” by M. Russell Ballard – April 2001

6 The scripture quoted is D&C 88:33, but the paragraph quoted is used in “Receive the Holy Ghost” by Elder David A. Bednar – October 2010

7 Alma 5:33

8 Come, Listen to a prophet’s Voice, Hymn 21 (verses 1 and 4), 1985.